- Must visit
McLean County Museum of History
Outstanding local history museum in a restored courthouse annex, featuring Abraham Lincoln, Route 66, and immersive county exhibits.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $75 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, while a train costs an average of $121.
Distance: 185 miles (298 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$75 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL:
A bus is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL costing on average $121 (€98).
Other travel options to Bloomington, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $101 |
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 14:35. The fastest bus covers the 185 miles (298 km) distance in 7h 10m.
Distance 185 miles (298 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 2:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Bloomington, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bloomington, IL trip today.
Outstanding local history museum in a restored courthouse annex, featuring Abraham Lincoln, Route 66, and immersive county exhibits.
Children’s museum with hands-on science, art, and play exhibits in Uptown Normal; ideal for families and interactive learning.
University museum with rotating contemporary art, student work, and traveling exhibitions in a modern campus gallery.
Wide greenway trail favored for walking and biking, linking neighborhoods, schools, and parks across town.
Lively downtown district with historic buildings, shops, murals, and easy walking access to museums and performance venues.
Walkable mixed-use district in Normal with modern plazas, public art, events, and strong rail-and-campus energy.
The iconic Illinois horseshoe is thick toast topped with meat, fries, and cheese sauce. A hearty central Illinois comfort food locals love.
A pork tenderloin sandwich features a breaded, fried cutlet larger than the bun. It is a beloved Midwestern diner and tavern staple in the area.
Corn on the cob highlights Illinois farm country. In season, sweet local corn is a simple regional favorite at cookouts, fairs, and family meals.
Historic casual spot famous for burgers and the original cheese balls. Lively, nostalgic atmosphere and a long-standing local following.
Beloved local breakfast and lunch cafe known for hearty American classics, pies, and friendly small-town diner charm.
Upscale American dining in a restored historic building. Known for steaks, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for U.S. Midwest travel. Hotels and dining are usually below big-city prices, while transport often requires a car or rideshare, adding to visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Some bills include gratuity, so check first.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bloomington, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Milwaukee, WI to Bloomington, IL buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to Bloomington, Normal Railway Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI and Bloomington, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need